Chapter 224: A Happy Face (1)

Adelia and I ended up alone in a room, thanks to Nicole pushing us in without warning. Being in the same room as her wasn't a big deal, as it happened often, but the problem was the situation.

Nicole's words before leaving lingered in our minds. 'Decide quickly, whether you have a kiss or fuck.' She also said she was going to scold her sisters-in-law.

In the sudden and unexpected situation, I had no idea what decision to make. But now that I calmed down, it seems like I know. To ensure there's no further interference in Adelia's and my relationship, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

"Why is she acting like this all of a sudden?"

"...Well, I don't know."

Adelia, too, initially had an expression of not understanding the situation at all. Unlike me, who had a deep(?) conversation with Nicole, for her, it was like a bolt out of the blue.

However, as time passed and the atmosphere between us became more subtle, it seemed like she noticed something.

The situation was one where, to connect her best friend with her own younger sibling, she pushed them together into one room. Not only that, but she left words behind to build 'certainty.'

While I was silently sighing deeply, Adelia hesitated to open her mouth while glancing at my face. I waited in silence until she spoke first.

It would only make the situation awkward if I opened my mouth first, so Adelia had to initiate the conversation.

"...Did you tell Nicole?"

When a quiet silence settled in, Adelia cautiously asked me with a careful voice. After a long time, she took the initiative to start the conversation.

I realized the meaning contained in her question and nodded my head silently. What's the point of saying it? The situation already speaks for itself.

Adelia nodded in acknowledgment of my affirmation, then made a face as if she herself didn't know what to say.

Usually, it was normal for her to playfully tease with her characteristic lively smile, but the situation was as complicated as it can be.

"Right, Nicole has a mischievous side too. I didn't know this well..."

"..."

"Cutie, do you think the same? You know it well, don't you? How strict she normally is."

Nevertheless, she was making an effort to lighten the mood somehow. I remained silent, just listening to her talk.

Adelia forced an awkward laugh, scratching her cheek and then started speaking incoherently.

"Su-suddenly asking for a kiss. What was it again? S-sex..."

But when the word she couldn't bring herself to say finally came out, she tightly sealed her lips. The faint blush rising on her fair skin vividly expressed her emotions.

Watching Adelia's neck gradually turning redder, I let out a bitter smile. It seemed increasingly difficult for her to speak.

If that's the case, there's only one thing for me to do. I need to bring out the words she wants to say.

"It seems Nicole noona must be quite frustrated. Perhaps she brought me here because handling the situation is beyond her."

"Bu-but you have an engagement... Nicole should know about it, so why..."

"I said that. But she asked me whether I want to be remembered as a scoundrel who took a mistress without his wife's permission or as a trash who freely played with a woman's feelings. I chose the first option, and that's how it turned out."

"..."

Adelia's face turned noticeably red. Choosing the first option essentially meant accepting her completely, or at least that's how it could be interpreted.

After her duel with Hiriya last time, she confessed her feelings to me. However, given the circumstances, I couldn't accept her at that time.

The situation seemed frustrating from Nicole's perspective. While she seemed to understand the complexities of my situation, she still considered accepting someone's feelings different. So, she indirectly appealed that playing with a woman's feelings is what trash do. Moreover, she even said to me, 'You're unnecessarily kind, aren't you? If someone is coming to you, just boldly accept them. Why hesitate?'

'If this was my past life, I'd really be trash.'

Even in a society where some polygamy is tolerated, I'd have nothing to say if I received insults in my past life. I suppose I've adapted well enough to the social culture of this world by now. However, despite becoming accustomed, me being indecisive was a fact. It's not like I can see through people's hearts; I can just straightforwardly clarify things.

Upon careful thought, I can understand why Nicole said those words to me. Thanks to her, I was able to engage in sufficient self-reflection.

Let's sincerely be grateful for being born in this world. And at least show some sincerity to the woman who likes me.

"Adelia-noona."

"Uh, yeah?"

"What do you like about me?"

"··· ···"

Adelia's sky-blue eyes widened at my direct question, and she flinched noticeably. In addition to that, her already red face deepened in color, as it would burst at the slightest touch and her lips trembled like ripples.

Adelia, who was usually carefree and confident, looked genuinely cute when she reacted like this. It felt strange that despite being older than me, she seemed younger.

'In terms of age, I guess I am older.'

That's a story from my past life; let's move on since now I'm a lively 18-year-old. People are creatures of adaptation, and after reincarnation, behaving according to that age naturally affected my way of thinking.

Anyway, putting aside unnecessary talk, Adelia remained silent for a while in response to my question, avoiding eye contact. Her short hair, which reached her shoulders, covered her face like a curtain.

Nevertheless, her distinctive sharp nose and, especially, her sky-blue eyes peeking through the strands of hair were vivid. Even from the side, her appearance was undeniably beautiful.

"...because you're warm."

"Warm?"

When I was carefully scrutinizing Adelia's appearance, she spoke in a whispery voice, as if crawling. It was so soft that it was barely audible.

So, I leaned my face forward a bit, and only then did her words start to reach my ears.

"Because you're warm... even though you know I'm a bastard, you treat me normally and without discrimination. Even though you're a noble..."

Adeleia, who had spoken so, slowly, very slowly turned her head to look me straight in the eyes. Her face, reddened like the sunset, and a closed mouth, but the sky-blue eyes conveyed her upright determination.

How clear and transparent must her eyes be to reflect my face like a mirror? They seemed to express her clean conscience.

"The reasons I like you are countless, but the warm affection I feel from you is the best."

"... ..."

"You don't have to do exactly as Nicole said. I'm just happy to convey my feelings."

Adeleia, with her hand on her chest, spoke with determination.

A knight-like resolute decision. However, a spirit firmly blocked both front and back. Her feelings toward me are more sincere than anyone else's, but because of that, it's a heartbreaking love that declares she won't approach any further. She declared that she won't demand anything more and will be satisfied with the current situation.

Did she take my silence as acceptance? Adeleia chuckled, showing a faint smile, and made a slight request.

For Adeleia, it was almost like a final plea.

"I'm content with just occasionally being hugged or holding hands. If I unnecessarily intervene, it will only make things difficult for you. There won't be anything crossing the line here anymore."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. So..."

Before Adelia could even respond, I grabbed her face with both hands. She looked at me in surprise.

Receiving one-sided love from just one side is not fair. At least, that's what I think.

I stared at her dumbfounded expression, raised the corners of my mouth, and smiled gently. Then, as if making a declaration, I spoke.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to cross the line first. How about that?"

"What, what?"

"It's unfair for me to be the only one receiving love. You should be loved fairly too."

I won't hesitate indecisively. Living as a scoundrel is more comfortable for both of us than me living as trash.

Of course, I don't mean living as a literal scoundrel. It's not about getting permission from every woman before messing around.

Just Adelia, let's make an exception for Adelia. There was no more hesitation in the yard where Nicole had already put nose in.

Moreover, Adelia revealed my feelings even though she doesn't know that I am Xenon. A political problem arising? Tell them to go to hell. I will give her 'support' so that Adelia won't even think about going back to such a family.

In the distant future, when I reveal that I am Xenon, I hope she can 'choose' me without any hesitation.

'Why didn't I know such a simple solution?'

It seems that people truly need to confront things directly to make the right judgment. As I was thinking this inwardly, Adelia, who had been hesitating, tightly shut her mouth.

Her not being able to meet my gaze was truly charming. The freshness of a maiden nervously experiencing her first encounter was evident. However, I wouldn't rush into a confession immediately. There were facts I needed to disclose to her, and above all, I wasn't even properly prepared.

I should at least show her some courtesy so that it will become an unforgettable memory. I looked gently at the shy Adelia and spoke in a low voice.

"I will also confess here, noona. I'll make it so that in the future, it's me that you choose, not those people. I'll become your true family, not by blood but by choice."

"Ah..."

Adelia made a soft sound, covering her face with both hands. However, I removed her hands one by one, preventing her from hiding her face. Despite her efforts to cover her face each time, she soon gave up as I continued to remove her hands.

The flushed skin, wandering eyes, and wavering lips came into view. Without realizing it, she had already knelt down with her knees.

Afterward, Adelia, who had blushed for a while and peeked at me with a red face, lightly scratched her cheek with her index finger.

"Well... just a kiss... okay?"

"If you want, it can be more than that."

"Ugh..."

Adelia collapsed forward with a troubled sound at my mischievous joke. According to Nicole, she claimed to have never been in a relationship, and it seemed to be true.

Still, thanks to that, I discovered new aspects of her that I had never known. I thought she was a reliable and sturdy noona, but the reality was completely the opposite.

Meanwhile, Adelia, leaning forward, groaned for a while before slowly raising her upper body. After giving me a glance, she closed her eyes tightly and then slowly extended her face.

It was a gesture indicating that she wanted me to come forward and kiss her. It was awkward, but that made it even cuter.

Swoosh—

Instead of kissing her as she wished, I reached out my hand and gently embraced the back of her head. With my other hand, I softly brushed her cheek.

With each of these actions, Adelia's body trembled slightly. Due to having her eyes closed, her heightened senses naturally led to such reactions.

However, I didn't immediately kiss her. Like a predator waiting for its prey, I patiently waited for the right moment.

Adelia seemed to sense something was amiss and slowly began to open her eyes, filled with confusion. Then, with an expression of puzzlement, she opened her tightly sealed lips.

"Why, why... ugh!"

Before she could fully express her confusion, I brought my face close, and our lips collided in a surprise kiss. Adelia's body stiffened at the sudden kiss.

Originally, her lips were closed like a fortress, but due to carelessness, they were slightly open. Moreover, what I wanted was not a light kiss but a deep and intense kiss suitable for lovers.

My tongue invaded Adelia's mouth, making contact with her hesitant tongue, conveying taste and fragrance without direction.

"Um. Mmm."

At first, Adelia was tense, but as the kiss continued deeply, she gradually surrendered to instinct.

The initially awkward tongue play became more skilled, and her once rigid body gradually relaxed. She went further, wrapping her arms around my neck. There was no longer any shy maiden; only one lovely woman remained.

"Hoo."

"Haah... Haah..."

After the long and deep kiss, neither of us hesitated to pull away simultaneously. The silver thread that had extended between our lips was abruptly severed.

I was relatively composed, while Adelia gasped as if she might lose consciousness any moment. Her upright sky-blue eyes became hazy, and her trembling lips revealed her agitation.

In my heart, I wanted to conclude things here, but I exercised as much patience as possible. I had planned to give her intense memories that could cover up her unfortunate family circumstances.

"Was it good?"

"...I feel like I might get addicted."

Adelia pulled back while still holding my neck. By crossing the line first, she no longer needed to conceal her true feelings.

With a smile, I carefully pulled her towards me and embraced her. Adelia, nestled against my chest, seemed to want to feel the warmth and hugged me tightly.

"Isaac."

"Yeah. What is it?"

"I love you."

It was the second confession, but the feeling was quite different. It wasn't a confession of one-sided love but rather a confession as lovers.

I gently replied, stroking Adelia's head.

"I love you too, Noona."

"Will you... not abandon me?"

Adelia asked me with an anxious voice, perhaps haunted by the memory of being rejected directly by her family.

To quell that anxiety and to overlay those memories with happy ones, I sincerely reassured her.

"Absolutely, that will never happen."

"Ah..."

A sigh containing various complex emotions. At the same time, my heart began to moisten.

It was hard to read her expression buried in my chest, but I silently brushed away her back. As I did, her grip on me became stronger.

"I'm relieved..."

"..."

"Really... phew. I'm so relieved..."

Adelia was undoubtedly sobbing. But when I lowered my gaze...

"I'm truly happy..."

I could see that she was smiling.

Translators note: